Hartford, Conn. — February 7, 2014 — Bike Walk Connecticut elected Laura Baum as the nonprofit organization’s president. Baum joined the Bike Walk Connecticut Board in 2013, shortly after she moved to Connecticut from Portland, OR. She holds a masters degree in urban planning from the University of Minnesota and worked as the residential outreach specialist for St. Paul Smart Trips, a small, nonprofit organization that works to improve access and mobility in St. Paul, MN. Baum designed and ran an individualized social marketing program to support and encourage people in St. Paul to walk, bike and ride transit. She has also volunteered with BikePGH, a citywide nonprofit that works to make Pittsburgh a place that is safe and accessible for biking and walking. Baum currently works as a project manager at Wesleyan University where she works on the Wesleyan Media Project, a program that tracks advertising in federal elections. She lives in Middletown with her husband and daughter. “"I am eager to help Bike Walk Connecticut work to make this state a safer and more fun place to bike and walk,” said Baum. “From educating kids, to promoting complete streets, Bike Walk Connecticut is making a difference every day and I'm proud to be a part of it." Baum took over as president on January 15, replacing outgoing president MaryEllen Thibodeau, who will remain on the board through December 31, 2014. Bike Walk Connecticut is a member-supported non-profit organization making cycling and walking safe, feasible and attractive for a healthier, cleaner Connecticut. For more information, visit www.bikewalkct.org or contact Bike Walk Connecticut’s Executive Director, Kelly Kennedy at Kelly.Kennedy@bikewalkct.org or 860.904.2420.